Emphatic support for graduated licence

60 readers responded to last week's online survey - and almost all supported both a graduated licence and a probationary period.

The survey asked:
Should a graduated driving licence system be introduced for newly qualified drivers?

And:

Should this system include a two-year probationary period (and P plates) after passing the practical driving test?

97% of respondents favoured a graduated licence system, and 93% supported a probationary period and the use of 'P' plates.

Here are some of your comments:

"There should be a minimum age limit of at least 18 for taking the driving test."

"There should be a limit on the number of passengers carried and possibly a curfew."

"I lost my 17 year old daughter who was a passenger. The driver was 18 and convicted of dangerous driving. I only wish that a graduated driving licence was in place, it's too late for us, but it could save so many other lives."

"No amount of driver training will address drivers' bad attitude once they have passed their driving test, therefore, the Government must act positively to solve this growing problem."

"Look at the Queensland Australia Model. It has cut their young driver KSIs."

"This would put driving way beyond the budget of many families and could well encourage many youngsters to drive illegally."

"We need to look at the real world evidence of regulating young drivers, and also what is done in our EU neighbours. This evidence tells us that it works to reduce young driver and passenger casualties."

"I think a one year probationary period in conjunction with a minimum amount of driving miles would be appropriate as in flying."

" I have reservations about the P plates. My view is that they can lead to experienced drivers intimidating those with P plates."

"Peer pressure on young drivers to drive fast is immense. Passengers should be limited to reduce this pressure."

"The probationary period is a good idea but I'm not so sure about P plates as they could make the driver a target for the idiots who would take advantage of their advertised inexperience."

"New drivers are restricted to lower speed limits and must display P plated on the Isle of Man. This seems to work well there."

"Once again the unimaginative proposal of restricting newly qualified drivers is being put forward as a solution. We already have two years' probation for newly qualified drivers. I consider the 'pay as you go' insurance initiative to be a good idea and other similar imaginative forms of encouragement should be considered."